Integrated systems testing

ABSTRACT

A hard disk drive system includes an external interface that receives test configuration data, that transmits test result data, and that transmits and receives application data. The hard disk drive system includes a system on chip (SOC) that includes a controller and a read/write channel that communicates with the controller and that includes an integrated system test (IST) module that communicates with the external interface. A memory module communicates with the SOC and includes memory and an IST module. The hard disk drive system includes a spindle/voice coil motor driver module that includes an IST module. At least one of the IST modules is a master IST module that receives the test configuration data and that configures the IST modules for testing at least one of the controller, the read/write channel, and the memory module.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to integrated systems testing, and moreparticularly to integrated hard disk drive systems testing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A system such as a hard disk drive (HDD) may include one or more chipsand/or other components (chips/components) that are attached to aprinted circuit board (PCB). Each of the chips/components on the PCB mayinterface with one or more other chips/components. The chips on the PCBmay also interface with other chips and/or other components that arelocated off of the PCB. In addition, the chips/components on the PCB mayalso communicate with a host.

The PCB is designed to provide interconnections between thechips/components. As the number of chips/components and interconnectionstherebetween increases, the complexity of interconnecting traces on thePCB also usually increases. In some PCBs, multiple interconnect layersare required. For example, four layers are commonly required.

After assembling the chips and/or other components on the PCB, a probecard may be used to test connectivity therebetween. Typically, vias areformed in the PCB to allow the probe card to perform testing from a backside of the PCB. However, the vias increase the cost of manufacturingthe PCB. After testing connectivity, the system is booted and firmwaretesting is performed. The results of the firmware testing are analyzed.If the system passes the testing, the PCB can be assembled on a HDD witha relatively high reliability.

To reduce the cost of manufacturing the PCB, the size of the PCB, thenumber of vias, and/or the number of interconnect layers must bereduced. The cost cutting design changes must be accomplished withoutdecreasing reliability or reducing functionality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A hard disk drive system includes an external interface that receivestest configuration data, that transmits test result data, and thattransmits and receives application data. The hard disk drive systemincludes a system on chip (SOC) that includes a controller and aread/write channel that communicates with the controller and thatincludes an integrated system test (IST) module that communicates withthe external interface. A memory module communicates with the SOC andincludes memory and an IST module. The hard disk drive system includes aspindle/voice coil motor driver module that includes an IST module. Atleast one of the IST modules is a master IST module that receives thetest configuration data and that configures the IST modules for testingat least one of the controller, the read/write channel, and the memorymodule.

In other features, the testing includes loopback testing. The loopbacktesting can include test loops having different paths.

In other features, at least one of the IST modules includes a patterngenerator that generates a predetermined pattern of test data. At leastone of the IST modules can further include a pattern comparator thatreceives test data from at least one of the controller, read/writechannel, and the memory module. The pattern comparator compares the datato the predetermined pattern of test data.

In other features, at least one of the IST modules includes a solderjoint testing module. The solder joint testing module can include apulse generator that applies a predetermined pulse to a pin of the SOCand a receiver that receives a resultant waveform from the pin. Thesolder joint testing module can include a comparator that compares aparameter of the resultant waveform to at least one predeterminedparameter. The comparator can include a digital signal processor (DSP).

In other features, the hard disk drive system can include a printedcircuit board (PCB), wherein the SOC, the memory module, and thespindle/voice coil motor driver module are mounted on the PCB. The harddisk drive system can include a spindle motor and a voice coil motorconnected to the spindle/voice coil motor driver module.

In other features, the external interface can be of a type selected froma group consisting of integrated device electronics (IDE), fiber channel(FC), serial attached SCSI (SAS), secure digital input/output (SDIO),universal serial bus (USB), multimedia cards (MMC), high-speedmultimedia cards (HS-MMC), advanced technology attachment (ATA), andserial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA).

A method is provided for testing a hard disk drive system and includesreceiving test configuration data, transmitting test result data, andtransmitting and receiving application data through an externalinterface. The method also includes providing a system on chip (SOC)including a controller and a read/write channel, wherein the controllerand the read/write channel include an integrated system test (IST)module. The method further includes providing a memory module thatincludes an IST module and providing a spindle/voice coil motor drivermodule that includes an IST module. At least one of the IST modules is amaster IST module. The method also includes receiving the testconfiguration data at the master IST module and configuring the ISTmodules for testing at least one of the controller, the read/writechannel, and the memory module based on the configuration data.

In other features, the testing includes loopback testing. The loopbacktesting can include test loops having different paths. The testing caninclude using at least one of the IST modules to generate apredetermined pattern of test data. The testing can include receivingtest data from at least one of the controller, the read/write channel,and the memory module at at least one of the IST modules; and comparingthe test data to the predetermined pattern of test data.

In other features, the method includes applying a predetermined pulsefrom one of the IST modules to a pin of the SOC and the one of the ISTmodules receiving a resultant waveform from the pin. The method caninclude comparing a parameter of the resultant waveform to at least onepredetermined parameter.

In other features, the method can include mounting the system on chip(SOC), the memory module, and the spindle/voice coil motor driver moduleto a printed circuit board (PCB). The method can also include providinga spindle motor and a voice coil motor; and connecting the spindle motorand the voice coil motor to the spindle/voice coil motor driver module.

A hard disk drive system is provided that includes an external interfacemeans for receiving test configuration data, transmitting test resultdata, and transmitting and receiving application data. The hard diskdrive system includes a system on chip (SOC) including controller meansfor communicating with the external interface means and read/writechannel means for communicating with the controller means and thatincludes integrated system test (IST) means for testing. The hard diskdrive system also includes memory means for communicating with the SOCmeans and that includes memory and IST means for testing. The hard diskdrive system also includes spindle/voice coil motor driver means formoving associated components of the hard disk drive and that includesIST means for testing, wherein at least one of the IST means is masterIST means for receiving the test configuration data and for configuringthe IST means to test at least one of the controller means, theread/write channel means, and the memory means.

In other features, the testing includes loopback testing. The loopbacktesting can include test loops having different paths.

In other features, at least one of the IST means includes patterngenerating means for generating a predetermined pattern of test data.The at least one of the IST means can further include pattern comparingmeans for receiving test data from at least one of the controller means,read/write channel means, and the memory means and for comparing thedata to the predetermined pattern of test data.

In other features, at least one of the IST means includes solder jointtesting means for testing a solder joint of the SOC. The solder jointtesting means can include pulse generating means for applying apredetermined pulse to the solder joint of the SOC means. The solderjoint test means can also include receiving means for receiving aresultant waveform from the solder joint. The solder joint testing meanscan include comparator means for comparing a parameter of the resultantwaveform to at least one predetermined parameter. The comparator meanscan include a digital signal processor (DSP).

In other features, the external interface means can be of a typeselected from a group consisting of integrated device electronics (IDE),fiber channel (FC), serial attached SCSI (SAS), secure digitalinput/output (SDIO), universal serial bus (USB), multimedia cards (MMC),high-speed multimedia cards (HS-MMC), advanced technology attachment(ATA), and serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA).

In other features, the hard disk drive system further includes circuitboard means for mounting and connecting the SOC means, the memory modulemeans, and the spindle/voice coil motor driver module means. The harddisk drive system can also include a spindle motor means for rotating afirst component of a disk drive and that connect to said spindle/voicecoil motor driver means, and voice coil motor means for moving a secondcomponent of said disk drive and that connect to the spindle/voice coilmotor driver means.

A system on chip (SOC) is provided having an external interface thatreceives test configuration data, that transmits test result data, andthat transmits and receives application data; and a plurality of SOCcomponents, each including an integrated system test (IST) module. Atleast one of the SOC components includes a controller that communicateswith the external interface. At least one of the plurality of SOCcomponents communicates with the controller and at least one of the ISTmodules is a master IST module. The master IST module receives the testconfiguration data and that configures the IST modules for testing theplurality of SOC components.

In other features, the testing includes loopback testing. The loopbacktesting for at least one of the SOC components can include test loopshaving different paths.

In other features, the at least one of the IST modules includes apattern generator that generates a predetermined pattern of test data.The at least one of the IST modules can further include a patterncomparator that receives test data from at least one of the plurality ofSOC components and that compares the data to the predetermined patternof test data.

In other features, at least one of the IST modules includes a solderjoint testing module. The solder joint testing module can include apulse generator that applies a predetermined pulse to a pin of the SOCand a receiver that receives a resultant waveform from the pin. Thesolder joint testing module can compare a parameter of the resultantwaveform to at least one predetermined parameter.

In other features, the external interface can be of a type selected froma group consisting of integrated device electronics (IDE), fiber channel(FC), serial attached SCSI (SAS), secure digital input/output (SDIO),universal serial bus (USB), multimedia cards (MMC), high-speedmultimedia cards (HS-MMC), advanced technology attachment (ATA), andserial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA). A hard disk drive systemcan include the SOC.

In other features, an electronic system can include the SOC and a hostthat includes an IST module and a second external interface. The secondexternal interface communicates the test configuration data with theexternal interface, and the master IST module further configures the ISTmodule of the host for testing the plurality of SOC components togetherwith said host.

A method is provided of making and testing a system on chip (SOC). Themethod includes providing an integrated system test (IST) module in eachone of a plurality of SOC components, wherein at least one of the SOCcomponents communicates with an external interface and at least oneother of the SOC components. The method also includes receiving testconfiguration data, transmitting test result data, and transmitting andreceiving application data via the external interface. The methodfurther includes using at least one of the IST modules to receive thetest configuration data and configure the IST modules to test theplurality of SOC components.

In other features, the testing includes loopback testing. The loopbacktesting for at least one of the SOC components can include test loopshaving different paths. The method can also include generating apredetermined pattern of test data at at least one of the IST modules.The method can include receiving test data from at least one of theplurality of SOC components, and comparing the data to the predeterminedpattern of test data.

In other features, at least one of the IST modules includes a solderjoint testing module. The method can also include applying apredetermined pulse to a pin of the SOC, and receiving a resultantwaveform from the pin. The method can include comparing a parameter ofthe resultant waveform to at least one predetermined parameter.

In other features, the method is extended to testing an electronicsystem and further includes providing a host that includes an IST moduleand a second external interface. The extended method also includescommunicating the test configuration data between the external interfaceand the second external interface, and configuring the IST module of thehost for testing the plurality of SOC components together with the host.

A system on chip (SOC) is provided that includes external interfacemeans for receiving test configuration data, transmitting test resultdata, and transmitting and receiving application data. The SOC alsoincludes a plurality of SOC components, each including integrated systemtest (IST) means for testing. At least one of the SOC componentsincludes control means for communicating with the external interfacemeans. At least one of the plurality of SOC components communicates withthe control means. At least one of the IST means is master IST means forreceiving the test configuration data and configuring the IST means totest the plurality of SOC components.

In other features, the testing includes loopback testing. The loopbacktesting for at least one of the SOC components can include test loopshaving different paths. At least one of the IST means can includepattern generating means for providing a predetermined pattern of testdata. The at least one of the IST means can further include patterncomparing means for receiving test data from at least one of theplurality of SOC components and comparing the data to the predeterminedpattern of test data.

In other features, at least one of the IST means includes solder jointtesting means. The solder joint testing means can include pulsegenerating means for applying a predetermined pulse to a pin of the SOCand means for receiving a resultant waveform from the pin. The solderjoint testing means can compare a parameter of the resultant waveform toat least one predetermined parameter.

In other features, the external interface means can be of a typeselected from a group consisting of integrated device electronics (IDE),fiber channel (FC), serial attached SCSI (SAS), secure digitalinput/output (SDIO), universal serial bus (USB), multimedia cards (MMC),high-speed multimedia cards (HS-MMC), advanced technology attachment(ATA), and serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA). A hard diskdrive means can include the SOC.

In other features, an electronic system is provided that includes theSOC and a host. The host includes IST means for testing and secondexternal interface means for communicating the test configuration datawith the external interface means. The master IST means furtherconfigures the IST means of the host for testing the plurality of SOCcomponents together with the host.

A system is provided that includes a printed circuit board (PCB) thathas at least one chip mounted thereon. A system on chip (SOC) is mountedon the PCB and includes a controller that communicates with an externalinterface that receives test configuration data, that transmits testresult data, and that transmits and receives application data. The SOCincludes an SOC component that includes an integrated system test (IST)module and the at least one chip includes a chip component that includesan integrated system test (IST) module. The at least one of the SOCcomponent and the chip component communicates with the controller and atleast one of the IST modules is a master IST module that receives thetest configuration data and that configures the IST modules for testingat least one of the SOC component and the chip component.

In other features, the testing includes loopback testing. The loopbacktesting for at least one of the SOC components can include test loopshaving different paths.

In other features, at least one of the IST modules includes a patterngenerator that generates a predetermined pattern of test data. The atleast one of the IST modules can further include a pattern comparatorthat receives test data from at least one of the plurality of SOCcomponents and compares the data to the predetermined pattern of testdata.

In other features, at least one of the IST modules includes a solderjoint testing module. The solder joint testing module can include apulse generator that applies a predetermined pulse to a pin of the SOCand a receiver that receives a resultant waveform from the pin. Thesolder joint testing module can compare a parameter of the resultantwaveform to at least one predetermined parameter.

In other features, the external interface can be of a type selected froma group consisting of integrated device electronics (IDE), fiber channel(FC), serial attached SCSI (SAS), secure digital input/output (SDIO),universal serial bus (USB), multimedia cards (MMC), high-speedmultimedia cards (HS-MMC), advanced technology attachment (ATA), andserial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA). A hard disk drive systemcan include the system.

A method of making and testing an electronic system is provided thatincludes providing a printed circuit board (PCB) and mounting a systemon chip (SOC), comprising an integrated system test (IST) module, on thePCB. The method also includes mounting at least one chip, comprising achip component that includes an integrated system test (IST) module, onthe PCB. The method further includes communicating with an externalinterface that receives test configuration data, that transmits testresult data, and that transmits and receives application data. Themethod also includes using at least one of the IST modules to receivethe test configuration data and configure the IST modules to test atleast one of the SOC component and the chip component.

In other features, the test includes a loopback test. The loopback testfor at least one of the at least one of the SOC component and the chipcomponent includes test loops can have different paths. The method caninclude generating a predetermined pattern of test data at at least oneof the IST modules. The method can also include receiving test data fromat least one of the plurality of SOC components and comparing the datato the predetermined pattern of test data.

In other features, the method further includes applying a predeterminedpulse to a pin of the SOC, and receiving a resultant waveform from thepin. The method can also include comparing a parameter of the resultantwaveform to at least one predetermined parameter.

In other features, the external interface is of a type selected from agroup consisting of integrated device electronics (IDE), fiber channel(FC), serial attached SCSI (SAS), secure digital input/output (SDIO),universal serial bus (USB), multimedia cards (MMC), high-speedmultimedia cards (HS-MMC), advanced technology attachment (ATA), andserial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA). A hard disk drive systemcan execute the method.

A system is provided that includes printed circuit board (PCB) means formounting and making connections between chips. A system on chip (SOC) ismounted on the PCB means and includes control means for communicatingwith external interface means for receiving test configuration data,transmitting test result data, and transmitting and receivingapplication data. At least one chip is mounted to the PCB means. The SOCcomprises an SOC component that includes integrated system test (IST)means for testing. The at least one chip comprises a chip component thatincludes integrated system test (IST) means for testing. At least one ofthe SOC component and the chip component communicates with the controlmeans. At least one of the IST means is a master IST means for receivingthe test configuration data and configuring the IST means to test atleast one of the SOC component and the chip component.

In other features, the testing includes loopback testing. The loopbacktesting for at least one of the SOC component and the chip component caninclude test loops having different paths. At least one of the IST meanscan include pattern generating means for generating a predeterminedpattern of test data. The at least one of the IST means can furtherinclude means for receiving test data from at least one of the SOCcomponent and the chip component and comparing the data to thepredetermined pattern of test data.

In other features, at least one of the IST means includes solder jointtesting means for testing a solder joint of said SOC. The solder jointtesting means can include a pulse generating means for applying apredetermined pulse to a pin of the SOC and receiving a resultantwaveform from the pin. The solder joint testing means can compare aparameter of the resultant waveform to at least one predeterminedparameter.

In other features, the external interface means is of a type selectedfrom a group consisting of integrated device electronics (IDE), fiberchannel (FC), serial attached SCSI (SAS), secure digital input/output(SDIO), universal serial bus (USB), multimedia cards (MMC), high-speedmultimedia cards (HS-MMC), advanced technology attachment (ATA), andserial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA). A hard disk drive systemcan include the system.

A hard disk drive system comprises N hard disk drive components that areconnected in a daisy-chain, wherein N is greater than one. An integratedsystem test (IST) module is integrated with a first one of the N harddisk drive components and includes a pattern generator and a patterncomparator. The pattern generator generates test data that is routedfrom the first one of the N hard disk drive components serially throughthe remaining ones of the N hard disk drive components and back to thefirst one of the N components. The pattern comparator generates testresult data based on returned test data.

In other features, an external interface communicates with the first oneof the N hard disk drive components, receives test configuration datafor the IST module, transmits the test result data, and transmits andreceives application data. At least one of the N hard disk drivecomponents is selected from a group consisting of a controller, a systemon chip (SOC), a read/write channel, a memory module, and aspindle/voice coil motor driver module. The external interface is of atype selected from a group consisting of integrated device electronics(IDE), fiber channel (FC), serial attached SCSI (SAS), secure digitalinput/output (SDIO), universal serial bus (USB), multimedia cards (MMC),high-speed multimedia cards (HS-MMC), advanced technology attachment(ATA), and serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SAT A). The SOC, thememory module, and the spindle/voice coil motor driver module aremounted on a PCB. The pattern comparator compares the returned test datato predetermined return test data.

A method for testing components of a hard disk drive system includesconnecting N hard disk drive components in a daisy-chain, wherein N isgreater than one. The method also includes integrating an integratedsystem test (IST) module with a first one of said N hard disk drivecomponents. The method also includes generating a test pattern androuting said test pattern from said first one of said N hard disk drivecomponents serially through remaining ones of said N hard disk drivecomponents and back to said first one of said N hard disk drivecomponents. The method further includes generating test result databased on returned test data.

In other features, the method includes receiving test configuration datafor said IST module, transmitting said test result data, andtransmitting and receiving application data. The method can furtherinclude selecting at least one of said N hard disk drive components froma group consisting of a controller, a system on chip (SOC), a read/writechannel, a memory module, and a spindle/voice coil motor driver module.The method can also include comparing said returned test data topredetermined return test data.

A hard disk drive system comprises N hard disk drive means forperforming hard disk drive functions and that are connected in adaisy-chain, wherein N is greater than one. Integrated system test (IST)means for testing and that is integrated with a first one of the N harddisk drive means and includes pattern generating means for generatingtest pattern data and pattern monitoring means for receiving a returnedtest pattern. The test pattern data is routed from the first one of theN hard disk drive means serially through the remaining ones of the Nhard disk drive means and back to the first one of the N hard disk drivemeans. The pattern monitoring means generates test result data based onreturned test data.

In other features, external interface means communicates with the firstone of the N hard disk drive means, receives test configuration data forthe IST module, transmits the test result data, and transmits andreceives application data. At least one of the N hard disk drive meansis selected from a group consisting of a controller, a system on chip(SOC), a read/write channel, a memory module, and a spindle/voice coilmotor driver module. The external interface means is of a type selectedfrom a group consisting of integrated device electronics (IDE), fiberchannel (FC), serial attached SCSI (SAS), secure digital input/output(SDIO), universal serial bus (USB), multimedia cards (MMC), high-speedmultimedia cards (HS-MMC), advanced technology attachment (ATA), andserial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA). The SOC, the memorymodule, and the spindle/voice coil motor driver module are mounted onthe PCB. The pattern monitoring means compares the returned test data topredetermined return test data.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary hard disk drivesystem;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary hard disk drivesystem according to some implementations of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a hard disk drive systemconfigured to execute various integrated tests;

FIG. 4A is a signal diagram of a solder joint testing module accordingto some implementations of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a signal diagram of solder joint testing module signalsaccording to some implementations of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating steps that are performed by the HDDintegrated testing system;

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a hard disk drive systemconfigured with a daisy-chain integrated test system; and

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary wireless hard diskdrive system according to some implementations of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses. For purposes of clarity, the same referencenumbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements. Asused herein, the term module refers to an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared,dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software orfirmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitablecomponents that provide the described functionality.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a hard disk drive system 100 is shown toinclude a processor 110 that performs data and/or control processing.The processor 110 executes instructions that are stored in a boot ROM108. The processor 112 can also include an analog-to-digital converter112. A controller 114 transmits and receives application data with aninterface 118 of a host device 120 via an interface 124. The interface124 can be a standard type established by industry. By way ofnon-limiting example, these types include serializing/deserializing(SERDES) types such as serial advanced technology attachment (SATA),integrated device electronics (IDE), fiber channel (FC), serial attachedSCSI (SAS), secure digital input/output (SDIO), universal serial bus(USB), multimedia cards (MMC), high-speed multimedia cards (HS-MMC),advanced technology attachment (ATA), or other interface. The controller114 also transmits and receives data, write data and control data to aread/write channel 130. The read/write channel sends write data to andreceives read data from a preamplifier 140 that includes one or morewrite amplifiers 142 and one or more read amplifiers 144. One or morecontrol signal lines 145 connect the read/write channel 130 to thepreamplifier 140 in addition to differential read and write channels. Insome implementations, the processor 110, the controller 114 and theread/write channel 130 are implemented as a system on chip (SOC) 150.

The SOC 150 is attached to a printed circuit board (PCB) 154. A memorymodule 156 is used to buffer data during operation, store control data,etc. A power circuit 158, which may be an integrated circuit, controlsthe supply of power to other components of the hard disk drive system100. A spindle/voice coil motor (VCM) driver 162, which may be part ofan integrated circuit, receives control signals from the controller 114and outputs drive signals to a voice coil motor (VCM) 164 and/or aspindle motor 166. One or more decoupling capacitors may be connected tocomponents of the HDD system 100.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the HDD system 100 of FIG. 1 is shown infurther detail. Components of the HDD system 100 are shown to includeintegrated system testing (IST) modules. Depending upon theconfiguration and/or interconnection of components within the HDD systemand/or the type of testing that is desired, some of the components mayinclude master components and/or slave components.

For example, the controller 114 in FIG. 2 is designated a master testcomponent and includes a master IST module 200. Since the controller 114is connected to all of the remaining components of the HDD system 100,the remaining components include slave IST modules. In particular, theprocessor 110 includes a slave IST module 204, the read/write channel130 includes a slave IST module 210, the memory 154 includes a slave ISTmodule 214, the power circuit 158 includes a slave IST module 216, thespindle NCM driver 162 includes a slave IST module 218 and thepreamplifier 140 includes a slave IST module 220. Skilled artisans willappreciate, however, that there can be more than one master IST modulein the system and/or each component may include one or more masterand/or slave IST modules as needed. In some configurations, an ISTmodule can be operated by the processor 110 as master using software ina boot ROM. Such an arrangement allows improved flexibility over a purehardware arrangement to enhance an algorithm in the boot ROM.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the HDD system 100 is shown configured toexecute several integrated system tests. The HDD system 100 receivestest configuration instructions through the interface 124. The HDDsystem 100 also sends test results to the host 120 through the interface124.

An integrated memory module test verifies that the memory module 156 isfunctional. The test configuration instructions configure the slave ISTmodule 214 to enable a pattern generator 224 and a pattern comparator226. The pattern generator 224 can be routed through a first-infirst-out (FIFO) buffer 228 included in the slave IST module 214. Thepattern generator 224 provides a predetermined bit pattern. Abuffer/direct memory access module (DMA) 230 receives the predeterminedbit pattern and writes it to an SDRAM 222. The buffer/DMA module 230then reads data from the SDRAM 222 and provides the SDRAM data to thepattern comparator 226. The pattern comparator 226 compares the SDRAMdata to the predetermined bit pattern originally provided by the patterngenerator 224. The slave IST module 214 concludes that the memory module156 is fully functional when the SDRAM data and the predetermined bitpatterns are identical.

An interface/SDRAM test verifies that the interfaces 118 and 124 areable to communicate with the memory module 156. The test configurationinstructions configure the slave IST module 214 to enable the patterngenerator 224 and the pattern comparator 226. The pattern generator 224communicates the predetermined bit pattern to the controller 114 over acommunication path 232. The controller 114 forwards the predeterminedbit pattern to the second interface 124. During a first section of theinterface/SDRAM test, the test configuration instructions cause theinterface 124 to enter a local loopback mode. A local loopback path 234connects an output of the interface 124 to an input of the interface124. The controller 114 reads a returning data pattern from the secondinterface 124 input and forwards it to the memory module 156 over acommunication path 236. The pattern comparator 226 then compares thereturning data pattern to the original predetermined bit patternprovided by the pattern generator 224. The slave IST module 214concludes that the communication path between the interface 124 and thememory module 156 is fully functional when the SDRAM data and thepredetermined bit patterns are identical. The master IST module 200receives the test conclusion from the slave IST module 214 and forwardsit to the host 120.

A second section of the interface/SDRAM test verifies the communicationlinks between the first and second interface modules 118, 124. The testconfiguration instructions open the loop back path 234 and close aloopback path 238. The test configuration instructions configure theslave IST module 214 to enable the pattern generator 224 and the patterncomparator 226. The pattern generator 224 communicates the predeterminedbit pattern to the controller 114 over the communication path 232. Thecontroller 114 forwards the predetermined bit pattern to the firstinterface 118 via the second interface 124.

The loopback path 238 connects an output of the interface 118 to aninput of the interface 118. The controller 114 reads a returning datapattern from the second interface 124 and forwards it to the memorymodule 156 over the communication path 236. The pattern comparator 226then compares the returning data pattern to the original predeterminedbit pattern provided by the pattern generator 224. The slave IST module214 concludes that the communication links between the first and secondinterface modules 118, 124 are fully functional when the SDRAM data andthe predetermined bit patterns are identical. The master IST module 200receives the test conclusion from the slave IST module 214 and forwardsit to the host 120.

A read/write test verifies that the read/write channel 130 is able tocommunicate with the memory module 156. The test configurationinstructions configure the slave IST module 214 to enable the patterngenerator 224 and the pattern comparator 226. The test configurationinstructions also configure the slave IST module 210 to provide a localloopback path 244 between a write precompensation (WP) module 242 and avariable gain amplifier (VGA) 246. The WP module 242 provides an analogwrite signal to be applied to the preamplifier 140. The VGA 246 receivesan analog read signal from the preamplifier 140. Data processors 240convert the analog signals used by the WP module 242 and the VGA 246, todigital signals used by the controller 114. During the read/write test,the pattern generator 224 provides the predetermined bit pattern to thecontroller 114 via the communication path 232.

The controller 114 forwards the predetermined bit pattern to theread/write channel 130. The data processor 240 converts thepredetermined bit pattern to an analog signal and communicates it to theWP module 242. The local loopback path 244 communicates the analogsignal to the VGA 246, bypassing the preamplifier 140. The dataprocessor 240 then converts the analog signal back to digital data forcommunication to the controller 114.

The controller 114 forwards the digital data to the pattern comparator226. The pattern comparator 226 compares the digital data to theoriginal predetermined bit pattern provided by the pattern generator224. The slave IST module 214 concludes that the communication pathsbetween the memory module 156, controller 114 and the read/write channel130 are intact when the digital data and the predetermined bit patternsare identical. The master IST module 200 receives the test conclusionfrom the slave IST module 214 and forwards it to the host 120.

A second section of the read/write test operates identical to a firstsection described above, except the test configuration instructionscause the read/write channel 130 and the preamplifier 140 to enter aremote loopback mode. The remote loopback mode opens the local loopbackpath 244 and uses an internal loopback path 248 of the preamplifier 140to return the analog signal to the VGA 246.

A write test verifies that the write portion of the read/write channel130 is able to receive data from the memory module 156. The testconfiguration instructions configure the slave IST module 214 to enablethe pattern generator 224 and a pattern comparator in the slave ISTmodule 210. During the write test, the pattern generator 224 providesthe predetermined bit pattern to the controller 114 via thecommunication path 232. The controller 114 forwards the predeterminedbit pattern to the read/write channel 130.

The data processor 240 converts the predetermined bit pattern to ananalog signal and communicates it to the WP module 242. The slave ISTmodule monitors and decodes the analog signal. The slave IST module 120compares the decoded analog signal to the original predetermined bitpattern provided by the pattern generator 224. The slave IST module 210concludes that the write portion of the communication path between thememory module 156, controller 114 and the read/write channel 130 isintact when the decoded analog signal and the predetermined bit patternsare identical. The master IST module 200 receives the test conclusionfrom the slave IST module 210 and forwards it to the host 120.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, a solder joint testing module 250 is shown.The solder joint testing module tests the integrity of a solder joint252 between an integrated circuit 254 and an associated PCB trace 256.Each of the IST modules can include one or more solder joint testingmodules 250. The test instructions can then individually configure eachIST modules to test selected solder joints associated with a particularIST module and its solder joint testing modules 250. Each solder jointtesting module 250 includes a pulse generator 258, a receiver 260, and acomparator 262. The receiver 260 can include the analog-to-digitalconverter 112, a peak-detect circuit, and/or other circuits.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, waveforms of the solder joint testing module250 are shown. The pulse generator 258 applies a pulse 264 having apredetermined amplitude and width to the solder joint 252. The receiver260 then monitors a resultant waveform produced by interference betweenthe applied pulse 250 and a reflected waveform. If the solder joint 252is short-circuited to an adjacent solder joint 266, the reflectedwaveform will destructively interfere with the applied waveform and theresultant waveform at the receiver 260 will appear similar to a waveform268.

If the solder joint 252 is open, the reflected waveform willconstructively interfere with the applied waveform, and the resultantwaveform at the receiver 260 will appear similar to a waveform 270. Thecomparator 262 compares the resultant waveform to at least onepredetermined parameter, such as amplitude, to determine whether thesolder joint 252 is satisfactory. It should be appreciated that theshapes of the resultant waveforms 268 and 270 are examples only and theactual waveforms will be dependent on the waveform of the applied pulse250, a distance between the pulse generator 258 and a defect that causesthe reflected waveform, and a degree of the circuit failure (e.g. shortcircuit vs. lower than desired impedance and open circuit vs. higherthan desired impedance, etc.). In some embodiments, the comparator 262can improve an accuracy and/or repeatability of its determinations byincluding a digital signal processor (DSP) 263 that enhances theresultant. waveforms 268, 270 prior to making the comparisons. The DSP263 can apply complex digital signal processing to enhance testing forshort/open, soft PCB trace, and/or solder connections.

Referring now to FIG. 5, steps that are performed by the hard disk driveintegrated systems testing are shown generally at 300. Control beginswith steps 304. In step 306, a test mode is started using the host pinsas a test port. In step 310, a master test component is selected. Instep 314, the master test component sends and/or receives test messagesto/from one or more slave test components in the hard disk drive system100. In step 318, connectivity between the master test component and theone or more other components is measured and/or tested.

In step 320, control determines whether there are additional tests to beperformed in addition to the connectivity test. In step 320 is true,additional testing is performed in step 322. Control continues with step324 from step 320 (if step 320 is false) or from step 322. In step 324,control determines whether all of the slave test components associatedwith the master test component have been tested. If step 324 is false,control continues with step 328 and selects another component to betested by the current master test component and control continues withstep 314. If step 324 is true, control determines whether there areother master test components in the hard disk drive system 100. If step332 is true, but other master test components is selected in step 336and control continues with step 314. Otherwise, results of theconnectivity and other tests are reported to the host device in step 340and control ends in step 350.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an HDD system 400 is shown that includes thecomponents of the HDD system of FIG. 1 connected in a daisy-chainconfiguration. In some implementations, the memory module 156, the powermodule 158, and the spindle NCM driver module 162 are each implementedin a respective chip that is mounted to the PCB 154.

The controller 114 includes a master IST module 400. The master ISTmodule 400 controls a pattern generator 404 and receives test resultsfrom a pattern comparator 406. A daisy-chain data path 408 seriallylinks hard disk drive components or nodes. The nodes include the masterIST module 400 in the controller 114, the memory module 156, the powermodule 158, and the spindle NCM driver module 162. Test data is returnedback to the controller 114.

During test operations, the master IST module 402 receives the testconfiguration instructions and causes the pattern generator 404 togenerate the predetermined bit pattern. The pattern generator 404communicates the predetermined bit pattern (with and/or withoutmodification by each of the nodes) through the daisy-chain data path 408to the memory module 156, the power module 158, and the spindle NCMdriver module 162 and returns test data back to the controller 114. Thenodes selectively perform a respective internal test using thepredetermined bit pattern and forward the respective test result via thedaisy-chain data path 408 to the next node and/or back to the controller114.

The pattern comparator 406 can read data from the daisy-chain data path408 and determine whether the returned data meets the predeterminedcriteria, matches a predetermined bit pattern, and/or has apredetermined relationship with the predetermined bit pattern. Thepattern comparator 406 determines that the daisy-chain data path 408 isfunctional when the returned data meets the predetermined criteria,matches and/or falls within the relationship. If not, the patterncomparator determines that one or more components in the daisy-chain arenot functional. The master IST module communicates test resultinformation to the host via the interface 124.

While the teachings of the present invention were described in thecontext of the hard disk drive systems 100 and 400, it should beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention isalso applicable to other systems.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a functional block diagram is shown of awireless hard disk drive system 100′. A host 120′ includes an IST module420 that communicates with the interface 118. The interfaces 118, 124are of a wireless type, such as SDIO, and communicate over a wirelesschannel 422. The test configuration data can configure the IST module420 to be included in tests of the SOC 150. By including the IST module420 in the host 120′, the hard disk drive system 100′ includesintegrated system test capability for the host 120′, SOC 150, and/or thePCB 154.

Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoingdescription that the broad teachings of the present invention can beimplemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this invention hasbeen described in connection with particular examples thereof, the truescope of the invention should not be so limited since othermodifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon astudy of the drawings, the specification and the following claims.

1. A hard disk drive system, comprising: an external interface thatreceives test configuration data, that transmits test result data, andthat transmits and receives application data; a system on chip (SOC)including a controller and a read/write channel that communicates withsaid controller and that includes an integrated system test (IST) modulethat communicates with said external interface; a memory module thatcommunicates with said SOC and that includes memory and an IST module;and a spindle/voice coil motor driver module that includes an ISTmodule, wherein at least one of said IST modules is a master IST modulethat receives said test configuration data and that configures said ISTmodules for testing at least one of said controller, said read/writechannel, and said memory module.
 2. The hard disk drive system of claim1 wherein said testing includes loopback testing.
 3. The hard disk drivesystem of claim 2 wherein said loopback testing includes test loopshaving different paths.
 4. The hard disk drive system of claim 1 whereinat least one of said IST modules includes a pattern generator thatgenerates a predetermined pattern of test data.
 5. The hard disk drivesystem of claim 4 wherein said at least one of said IST modules furtherincludes a pattern comparator that receives test data from at least oneof said controller, read/write channel, and said memory module and thatcompares said data to said predetermined pattern of test data.
 6. Thehard disk drive system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said ISTmodules includes a solder joint testing module.
 7. The hard disk drivesystem of claim 6 wherein said solder joint testing module includes apulse generator that applies a predetermined pulse to a pin of said SOCand a receiver that receives a resultant waveform from said pin.
 8. Thehard disk drive system of claim 7 wherein said solder joint testingmodule includes a comparator that compares a parameter of said resultantwaveform to at least one predetermined parameter.
 9. The hard disk drivesystem of claim 8 wherein said comparator comprises a digital signalprocessor (DSP).
 10. The hard disk drive system of claim 1 wherein saidexternal interface is of a type selected from a group consisting ofintegrated device electronics (IDE), fiber channel (FC), serial attachedSCSI (SAS), secure digital input/output (SDIO), universal serial bus(USB), multimedia cards (MMC), high-speed multimedia cards (HS-MMC),advanced technology attachment (ATA), and Serial Advanced TechnologyAttachment (SATA).
 11. The hard disk drive system of claim 1 furthercomprising a printed circuit board (PCB), wherein said SOC, said memorymodule, and said spindle/voice coil motor driver module are mounted onsaid PCB.
 12. The hard disk drive system of claim 1 further comprising aspindle motor and a voice coil motor connected to said spindle/voicecoil motor driver module.
 13. A method for testing a hard disk drivesystem, comprising: receiving test configuration data, transmitting testresult data, and transmitting and receiving application data through anexternal interface; providing a system on chip (SOC) including acontroller and a read/write channel, wherein said controller and saidread/write channel include an integrated system test (IST) module;providing a memory module that includes an IST module; providing aspindle/voice coil motor driver module that includes an IST module,wherein at least one of said IST modules is a master IST module;receiving said test configuration data at said master IST module; andconfiguring said IST modules for testing at least one of saidcontroller, said read/write channel, and said memory module based onsaid configuration data.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein said testingincludes loopback testing.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein saidloopback testing includes test loops having different paths.
 16. Themethod of claim 13 wherein said testing further includes using at leastone of said IST modules to generate a predetermined pattern of testdata.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein said testing further includes:receiving test data from at least one of said controller, saidread/write channel, and said memory module at at least one of said ISTmodules; and comparing said test data to said predetermined pattern oftest data.
 18. The method of claim 13 further comprising applying apredetermined pulse from one of said IST modules to a pin of said SOCand said one of said IST modules receiving a resultant waveform fromsaid pin.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising comparing aparameter of said resultant waveform to at least one predeterminedparameter.
 20. The method of claim 13 further comprising mounting saidsystem on chip (SOC), said memory module, and said spindle/voice coilmotor driver module to a printed circuit board (PCB).
 21. The method ofclaim 13 further comprising: providing a spindle motor and a voice coilmotor; and connecting said spindle motor and said voice coil motor tosaid spindle/voice coil motor driver module.
 22. A hard disk drivesystem, comprising: external interface means for receiving testconfiguration data, transmitting test result data, and transmitting andreceiving application data; a system on chip (SOC) including controllermeans for communicating with said external interface means andread/write channel means for communicating with said controller meansand that includes integrated system test (IST) means for testing; memorymeans for communicating with said SOC means and that includes memory andIST means for testing; and spindle/voice coil motor driver means fordriving and that includes IST means for testing, wherein at least one ofsaid IST means is master IST means for receiving said test configurationdata and for configuring said IST means to test at least one of saidcontroller means, said read/write channel means, and said memory means.23. The hard disk drive system of claim 22 wherein said testing includesloopback testing.
 24. The hard disk drive system of claim 23 whereinsaid loopback testing includes test loops having different paths. 25.The hard disk drive system of claim 22 wherein at least one of said ISTmeans includes pattern generating means for generating a predeterminedpattern of test data.
 26. The hard disk drive system of claim 25 whereinsaid at least one of said IST means further includes pattern comparingmeans for receiving test data from at least one of said controllermeans, read/write channel means, and said memory means and for comparingsaid data to said predetermined pattern of test data.
 27. The hard diskdrive system of claim 22 wherein at least one of said IST means includessolder joint testing means for testing a solder joint of said SOC. 28.The hard disk drive system of claim 27 wherein said solder joint testingmeans includes: pulse generating means for applying a predeterminedpulse to said solder joint of said SOC means; and receiving means forreceiving a resultant waveform from said solder joint.
 29. The hard diskdrive system of claim 28 wherein said solder joint testing meansincludes comparator means for comparing a parameter of said resultantwaveform to at least one predetermined parameter.
 30. The hard diskdrive system of claim 29 wherein said comparator means comprises adigital signal processor (DSP).
 31. The hard disk drive system of claim22 wherein said external interface means is of a type selected from agroup consisting of integrated device electronics (IDE), fiber channel(FC), serial attached SCSI (SAS), secure digital input/output (SDIO),universal serial bus (USB), multimedia cards (MMC), high-speedmultimedia cards (HS-MMC), advanced technology attachment (ATA), andSerial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA).
 32. The hard disk drivesystem of claim 22 further comprising circuit board means for mountingand connecting said SOC means, said memory module means, and saidspindle/voice coil motor driver module means.